Medical Products, Appliances and Equipment Expenditures Price Index
MEAPEQPIHCSA • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
99.14
Year-over-Year Change
-0.92%
Date Range
1/1/2000 - 1/1/2021
Summary
The Medical Products, Appliances and Equipment Expenditures Price Index measures price changes for medical goods and equipment, providing insight into a key component of healthcare costs.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
This index tracks the prices paid by consumers for medical products, appliances, and equipment, including items like eyeglasses, hearing aids, wheelchairs, and other durable medical goods. It is an important indicator for understanding trends in medical-related consumer expenditures.
Methodology
The data is collected through surveys of retail establishments and service providers by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Historical Context
Policymakers and healthcare analysts use this index to monitor changes in medical equipment and supply costs, which can impact overall healthcare spending and insurance premiums.
Key Facts
- The index is published monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
- Prices for medical products and equipment have risen faster than overall inflation in recent years.
- The index is a component of the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, a key measure of consumer inflation.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Medical Products, Appliances and Equipment Expenditures Price Index measures changes in the prices paid by consumers for medical goods and equipment, such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, and wheelchairs.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This index provides important insight into a key component of healthcare costs, which is relevant for policymakers, insurers, and consumers monitoring trends in medical-related expenditures.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through surveys of retail establishments and service providers by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and healthcare analysts use this index to monitor changes in medical equipment and supply costs, which can impact overall healthcare spending and insurance premiums.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The index is published monthly, with data typically released within a few weeks of the reference period.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Medical Products, Appliances and Equipment Expenditures Price Index (MEAPEQPIHCSA), retrieved from FRED.